Android Tablet Update

NVIDIA has just unveiled a new slide that predicts GPU performance on mobile devices will catch or even surpass the graphical capabilities of the XBOX 360 by 2014. While this may sound like an amazing feat for mobile devices, let’s put things in perspective. The XBOX 360 is currently the most popular gaming console on the market, but it was introduced back in 2005, and it’s graphical performance reign was eclipsed just one year later with the introduction of the PS3. Both Microsoft and Sony are expected to introduce new console systems in the next 18-24 months, which would significantly increase their GPU performance.

We applaud NVIDIA for all the work they have done to deliver mobile GPUs that allow developers to create amazing games. Unfortunately, increased GPU performance will not mean a thing unless developers find a way to make mobile gaming as lucrative as console gaming (where consumers are willing to pay $60 for new releases). There are many great games on Android, but a quick glance at the top games listed in Google Play reveals that most consumers are not interested in playing graphic intensive games on their mobile devices.

If mobile GPU performance catches up with console gaming within the next few years, would you be willing to spend a little more money for games on your Android device? Or would you prefer spending $60 to enjoy a game on your 46-inch flat panel TV while sitting on your couch?

It’s a good day to be NVIDIA. The GPU-juggernaut has unleashed their first Kepler-powered graphics card, the GTX 680, to the general public. Kepler marks a significant step forward in GPU efficiency and performance, and many PC gamers out there are excited for what enhancements NVIDIA is bringing to the table. While PC gamers flock to update their gaming rigs, NVIDIA’s CEO Jen-Hsun Huang has sent out an email to all employees which hints at what the future may hold for the Kepler platform.

While having the most powerful GPU on the market is an accomplishment in and of itself, it’s clear Mr. Huang wants more. Huang sees the super powerful and energy-efficient Kepler platform making its way into data centers, super-thin notebooks, and even superphones (and likely, tablets). NVIDIA’s GeForce (PC) and Tegra (Mobile) platforms have remained strictly separate until now, and Kepler could be the platform to unite these business lines. Having the power of Kepler in a smartphone will bring us one-step-closer to truly PC-quality gaming on mobile devices.

For a refresher (or first-look) at what Kepler exactly is, be sure to check out the embedded video below. And for even more info about Kepler and the recently-released GTX 680 PC video card, check out NVIDIA’s product page here. While gaming on the Tegra 3 chipset is already awesome, we can’t wait to see it get even better over the next few years.

Well, Apple certainly pissed off our friends at NVIDIA yesterday when they claimed the quad-core graphics in the A5X processor found in the new iPad offers 4 times the graphical prowess of the 12-core GPU in NVIDIA’s Tegra 3 platform. Since Apple failed to produce any benchmarking data on which they’re basing their claims, NVIDIA is taking matters into their own hands by purchasing an iPad when it goes on sale next Friday to put the two GPUs to the test.

Personally, I have a hard time believing that a 12-core GPU from the industry-leaders in graphics could be bested by a quad-core GPU. Perhaps Apple was simply sitting there running various benchmarks until they were able to find one or two that supported these lofty performance claims. Alas, we’ll have to wait and see what nVidia fires back at Apple, hopefully later this month.

We’ll be prodding our contacts at NVIDIA to share their information as soon as they have it finalized. Meanwhile, we’ll keep enjoying our Tegra 3 games, which match and sometimes surpass the quality of those found in current consoles.

The new iPad vs Tegra 3. Image courtesy of gdgt.com